Ombudsman: inconvenient procedures stop carers from using respite services
發佈日期: 2025-10-09 20:44
TVB News
The Office of the Ombudsman said some carers cannot obtain respite services managed under the Social Welfare Department, caused by complicated procedures and reactive providers.
The office provided 25 recommendations for the department.
Respite services offer short-term day or residential care for the elderly and persons with disabilities living at home.
In a press conference on Thursday, the office revealed findings of its investigation into 46 respite services for carers of the elderly and people with disabilities, after conducting covert phone operations and site inspections.
Some providers would require potential applicants to attend an in-person interview or a home visit for physical and mental condition assessment, before submitting an application.
While the Social Welfare Department requires users of residential respite services to conduct basic health check before admission, several providers would ask applicants to undergo extra medical examinations, including X-ray, at their own expense.
Ombudsman Jack Chan said: "Our staff asked them why they have these additional tests? I don't think they give us very good answers. This is one area we urge the Social Welfare Department to really investigate -- how come these units can impose such additional requirements? Does Social Welfare Department know about this?"
The office also found that the utilisation rate of respite services for the elderly was 50 to 60 percent, whereas the figures dropped to 10 to 20 percent for disabled individuals.
"We cannot rule out that the low utilisation rate are partly attributable to the lukewarm attitude of some service providers, the improper handling of service enquiries and applications. Certain service providers did not fulfil their mission. The performance of these service providers is most disappointing."
The Ombudsman says the Social Welfare Department has accepted all of their recommendations and that the two parties will continue to work together.
